Five People Killed in Helicopter Crash Near Lake Mead
LAS VEGAS - A tour helicopter operated by Sundance Helicopters crashed Wednesday afternoon, tragically killing the pilot and four passengers on board, Mercury News reported. The fatal accident was reported just before 5 p.m. on December 7th, in the River Mountains, about 4 miles west of Lake Mead, and about 30 miles from the Las Vegas Strip.
It is unclear what happened to cause the helicopter to go down. A spokesman for Sundance Helicopters told the Associated Press that the aircraft had been giving a local tour when it unexpectedly went missing.
A spokes for the Federal Aviation Administration said that the helicopter was an AS-350, a common aircraft for air tours. According to FAA records, the helicopter was built in 1989.
Sundance Helicopters has been operating helicopter tours since 1985. The company states on its website that it has a 23 helicopter fleet, and services more than 160,000 passengers each year.
This December 7th tragedy was not the first accident for the helicopter company. In September 2003, a pilot and six passengers were killed when a helicopter crashed into a wall in Descent Canyon, east of the Grand Canyon West Airport. The National Transportation Safety Board investigated the incident and cited pilot misjudgment and unsafe flying procedures.
Aviation Accident Liability
Following a fatal accident such as this December 7th Sundance Helicopter crash, or any other helicopter tour accident, the family members of the victims would be well-advised to speak with an experienced and knowledgeable aviation accident lawyer.
While the NTSB investigation is ongoing, an experienced attorney who is also a licensed pilot and who has represent victims of fatal aircraft accidents can advise the family members of the victims of their legal rights, and best course of action to protect them.
If it is determined that this devastating crash was preventable, either due to unsafe piloting, mechanical failure, or improper maintenance, the family members of the victims may choose to pursue a wrongful death claim against the responsible party or parties.
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